India’s Effective Strategies in Combating Child Labour

06/12/24

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The Government Of India has implemented a fight on many fronts in its offensive on child labour. It has made the most of legislative frameworks, such as the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act of 2016, which prohibits the employment of children under 14 years in any occupation and adolescents in hazardous occupations and processes. In addition, it has also leveraged its National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme, towards rehabilitating and integrating former child workers into society. In addition, the government has also made the most of its social welfare schemes that are aimed at reducing poverty and supporting access and relevance of education – viable pathways to the question of how to stop child labour. These two priorities are highly relevant for the prevention of child labour in India.

The data reveals that the government’s solutions for child labour have been fruitful. This impact has been due to the rigorous enforcement of laws and raising awareness about children’s rights. In addition, education has been made more attractive through initiatives like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. It has also been made more relevant with the government’s renewed emphasis on job-relevant skilling. As we appreciate the Indian government’s committed stance and the tangible progress achieved in prevention of child labour in india, we must now explore how we, as people, communities, and organisations, can contribute to making a tangible difference.

Steps Taken For The Prevention Of Child Labour In India

Here are ‘10 ways to stop child labour, identified based on their relevance at the grassroots level. If you’re wondering how to stop child labour, these actionable steps can make a real impact.

1. Spreading awareness among parents and communities

Alert and aware parents and communities are likely to be more proactive in ensuring that children are not led to a path of labour, making them an essential part of child labour solutions.

2. Dialogue about the importance of child rights

Sensitisation efforts by NGOs like Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Bal Raksha Bharat), through community events, sports, arts and theatre, are crucial to advocate for solutions of child labour to ensure child rights.

Also Read: Fundamental Rights Of Children

3. Enabling communities to identify and tackle traffickers

Sensitisation efforts by the government and NGOs have enabled parents and communities to fend off the interest of traffickers proactively.

4. Highlighting growth opportunities that offer a better path

The many growth, education, employment and micro-entrepreneurship employments that are making their presence felt across the country are creating a healthy trajectory of growth for today’s children and tomorrow’s youth, while also contributing to child labour solutions.

5. Creating new income and learning opportunities

NGOs are helping create new income resources, highlight educational resources, and help communities access information services to enable them to make better choices. Additionally, when you donate for child education, you contribute to providing quality learning opportunities for underprivileged children.

6. Encourage children to speak up

NGO Bal Raksha Bharat, in its engagement with children, has taught them the value of reporting and calling out child employment. As an effective solution for child labour, it empowers children to be agents of change.

7. Support ethical businesses

Support businesses that use ethical sources of labour. This can be discerned via product labelling and media commentary on brands.

8. Donate to organisations engaged in child labour prevention

Trusted NGOs like Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children) are implementing many ways to eliminate child labour across the country in partnership with other civil society organisations and the Central and State Governments. You can donate online to support these efforts and make a difference in children’s lives.

Also Read: Prevention Of Child Abuse Act

9. Support families in need

Helping mitigate the impacts of poverty at the individual level is one of the crucial ways to eliminate child labour because putting children to work is seen as a viable last resort.

10. Engage in advocacy on the citizen level

Plays, rallies, and social media campaigns are among the many platforms you can use to educate others on the issue and its harmful impact, as more voices can create more change.

A significant takeaway, as we review this list of 10 ways to stop child labour is that there is no singular solution for child labour; it is a truly multifaceted problem. We must keep in mind the many reasons for this issue to exist. Simply put, instead of asking ourselves, “How can we stop child labour?” We must explore viable alternatives that allow once-marginalised people and communities to grow and prosper. Supporting initiatives against child labour plays a crucial role in addressing this issue effectively and creating sustainable change.

Conclusion

Bal Raksha Bharat, a child protection NGO (also known as Save the Children) has made significant strides in child protection. During the current strategy period from April 2022 till September 2024, the organisation extended its support to around 0.2 million children through various child protection initiatives. Over the past 15 years, their efforts have positively impacted over 10 million children. In the last one year from October 2023 to September 2024, they succeeded in reaching over 4.4 lacs children across 19 states and 3 Union Territories, underlining their broad and sustained commitment to child welfare.

BRB Admin